A reverent sister, devoted mother, doting grandma and generous friend to so many

Charlaine (Chari) Cecilia Spring died Saturday, September 11, in a tragic traffic accident nine miles outside of Tillamook, Oregon. Born November 16, 1952, in Vancouver, Washington, she was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Elaine Allen, who combined their names, to create Charlaine. She is survived by her son Mark Spring, her daughter Elaina Spring Eden, her grandchild Ava Spring Eden, and her two brothers James (Jim) Allen and Robert (Bob) Allen. She would have turned 66 years old today.

As a young child, Charlaine became know as Chari. She was a proud Girl Scout, talented flautist and an exceptional student. She often spoke fondly of the summers she spent at Roslyn Lake, located outside of Sandy, Oregon. Over the course of ten years bridging the late 60’s and 70’s her family helped manage the park and concession stand where Chari sold snack items and rented boats to picnickers. It was here Chari learned valuable lessons about serving the public, working hard and playing harder, as well as being a responsible and dependable person – skills which served her well in life.

From helping establish a large microelectronics business to running a catering company and eventually her own restaurant, Chari was always a woman of many hats. She seemed happiest when her days were filled with new and exciting challenges. She excelled for many years in the real estate industry, working as both a realtor and a broker. She also served as a 911 dispatch operator for Cowlitz county and a licensed dietetic technician creating custom meal plans for the elderly. Additionally, Chari was an ordained minister, a notary public and a beautiful writer. She had written several complete screenplays and numerous poems throughout her life.

Chari embraced a total obsession for the movie industry and was starstruck over several Hollywood actors. In the years before she died, she had written personal letters to Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres, Gerard Butler and President Bush. Less than two weeks before she died, Chari hand delivered a vintage window curtain to the set designer of the hit television show Supernatural during a fan club convention. It was at this same convention that she participated in a costume contest where she won first prize in front of more than 1,200 people.

In Tillamook, her home for the past six years, Chari was a member of the local Red Hats Society and an active volunteer at A Place of Our Own, a support group and service provider for people with chronic mental illnesses.

Chari was extremely passionate and lived life gregariously. She was a gracious host and enjoyed planning all types of social functions for her family, friends and community as well as a generous friend and true peacemaker. Perhaps most importantly, Chari was a loving sister, a devoted mother to her two children and an absolutely radiant Grandma to 16-month-old Ava Spring Eden.

Chari was laid to rest among family and friends at the Skyline Memorial Gardens between her mother and father on Saturday, September 18. A lively celebration followed at the Jenkins Estate in Beaverton as loved ones fondly remembered the incredible life she lead, as well as the compassionate and influential person she had become.

Contributions to the Oregon Fibromyalgia Foundation, through OHSU, in Chari's name would be appreciated. Donations can be made online or via check.

When I am an old woman I shall wear purpleWith a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer glovesAnd satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tiredAnd gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bellsAnd run my stick along the public railingsAnd make up for the sobriety of my youth.I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people's gardensAnd learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fatAnd eat three pounds of sausages at a goOr only bread and pickle for a week, And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dryAnd pay our rent and not swear in the streetAnd set a good example for the children.We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprisedWhen suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.